HE Governor Hon. Rev. Mutuma M’Ethingia had the privilege of attending a high-level consultation meeting on the Draft Common Programme Framework for Ending Drought Emergencies (EDE CPF II).

During the deliberations, the Governor highlighted the stark realities on the ground in Meru County, where prolonged droughts continue to devastate communities. Currently, nearly 60% of the County faces semi-arid conditions, with each dry season bringing severe losses-both in human lives and livestock.

As one of Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), Meru County must urgently embrace climate-smart agricultural practices and make strategic investments in water security. "Drought, at its core, is a crisis of water scarcity," the Governor emphasized.

To address this, the County Government of Meru is committed to ensuring water availability across all regions. A cornerstone of this commitment is the advocacy for the construction of a mega dam in every region-an ambitious but necessary initiative that will be championed in collaboration with the national government and development partners. "This is not just about water," the Governor noted, "It is about food security, sustainable livelihoods, and human dignity."

The consultation brought together key stakeholders, including Hon. Beatrice Askul, Cabinet Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development, Governors from various ASAL counties, representatives from the World Bank, and senior officials from the national government.

The collective resolve to end drought emergencies is clear. Governor M’Ethingia reiterated that it is now time to move beyond frameworks and policies, and into bold, decisive action to secure the future of ASAL counties like Meru.